Anyone with knowledge of dogs?

Lacy · May 12, 2008

blinkykush said:
my boy braxton is 12 weeks old and weighs 35 pounds his dad was 93 pounds he is Razor bloodline.....i would suggest picking up a book on the breed and reading up, not to sound like a f ing book worm I havnt read anything since this months issue of hightines, but this breed is a very handson breed and need a lot of attention and socialization. take it to dog parks and socialize the pitt with other dogs and peeps....and if your dog ever snaps at another dog dont automaticly assume he is gonna rip the next ten yearolds arm off that walks by, human aggression and dog aggression are two different behaviors and just b;c your pitt may have one doesnt mean he has the other.

Yes I think buying a book about your specific breed is a great idea. It will give you a better understanding of your dog and help create a stronger more repsectful bond between both of you.

WeFallToday said:
My dog jumped in the river today...went out in the middle..then starting howling until i had to go in and bring him out
i turned him around and he was looking at me and jumped back in
and did the process overMy dogs got covered in mud the other day. We have a lot of lfooding around here on the trails and such.

._.

but back to the thread
i love pit's there awesome dogs

i wouldnt take what its doing serious
may just want attention?

Gryphonn said:
Just gotta big note myself for a bit...

We've had a *lot* of dogs in our time...lotsa different breeds and mixes. At one point we had 23 dogs in various stages of maturity. All of them, except the youngest pups knew that there was a 'no biting' rule in our pack. That is, absolutely no mouthing of people or their doggie pack. I'd love to show you some pics of them playing (might do if this thread continues). There was also a rule of 'no jumping'. We implemented this rule so that our dogs wouldn't jump up on kids as a sign of affection. They also, all except the 8 youngest pups that were learning the rule, would sit until we said "OK" at feed time. It's pretty cool to see 15 dogs all sitting and waiting until all the bowls are filled and then waiting for the OK. They all came when called without hesitation. We loved our pack...had to give all except one away when we moved back to town...We never allowed any of our big dogs to jump up on anything and they never did.

Anyway, I'd suggest being the pack leader and teaching him that it's bad form to mouth or nibble. You can do what King Papawawa suggested with the scruff of the neck shake and a big 'no biting'. That's a very strong signal in the dog world, because it harks back to severe puppy discipline from their mother. Just re-inforce it every time he/she does it. After a while (in our dogs' cases), they would sometimes forget and put their mouth near an arm or whatever. "No Biting!" was all it took for them to remember. You could see the "Oh, sorry dude" look on their faces.

Consistency in your actions are what they understand and respect.

For the record, we rarely used harsh discipline on our pack. The worst was a severe shaking by the scruff of the neck and then a hold down with lots of angry words (much like growling and snarling at them but in human terms) if they did something really bad, like going walk about when they weren't supposed to. It was rare, but we had one of our spoiled girls who would lead the others astray. She just couldn't stay around the house when there was thousands of acres around her to explore.

Seamaiden, Lucy and blinkykush are all right on the button re dogs. You are their leader and therefore you have to show them leadership. Otherwise they'll do what they want and start to consider themselves a contender.

yes they are pack animals and you can't change that but they do listen to the pack leader and you have to be pack leader in order to gain their respect. Thats communicating on their level.

Seamaiden said:
I hadn't thought about the jumping, I have a thing that dogs are not allowed to put their feet on me, either. That's because they don't understand that their feet may be dirty one day or I may be wearing something nice another day, I don't expect them to tell the difference.

My Ridgie is so good about the mouth that I will play with her and put my hand in her mouth and she pulls her lips over her teeth and never shuts her jaws. She's gotten quite good about it. Now if only I could teach her to stop with that whip of a tail. Only way I know of to stop the wagging is to cut it off.

I, too, disapprove of human forms of negative reinforcement, no hitting or yelling. They just want to please us most of the time, and they need to know where we stand and where they stand. Once they understand that they're much happier and so are we.Yes I have to agree here also except in extreme cases. Sometimes you need to raise or shout if there is a serious issue happening....ie....dog running across the road after a squirrel or something.

Now... if only we could convince the kids of how to work with their new little terrier (terror is more like it). Smart as a whip and he needs direction, good dog, but again, he needs direction. And his balls cut, he's begun marking in the house.

Gryphonn said:
Hehehe, Jack, the only pup (three years old going on four) we have left from the 23 we had a couple years back, is a wagger. We're constantly going "Tail Dude!" if he gets too close. He's not a big dog, but yep, he has a steel whip too.

Yeah, Jack just doesn't mouth anymore. He nibbles on my fingers on occasion, but very rarely. Oh, the clothes thing is another reason we have the jump/paws on body rule. He puts his paw up on us when he is craving some lurv though. Then we say "Gimme Five" and he does, and he *always* sits if he wants a pat.

We love our puppy.

I LOVE all DOGS.

Seamaiden · May 12, 2008

But you've hit the "yelling" thing on the head. Too often people end up just yelling all the time, it desensitizes everyone. Save it for the important times, such as when they're running into a dangerous situation, and they will know to stop.

Gryphonn · May 12, 2008

I put him in the 'What Pets do you have' thread too:

Pookiedough · May 12, 2008

Im not fond of dogs they scare me a bit,other peoples are fine but I won't own one myself.I like teh cats they are lazy like me! :mrgreen:

To0 Much Dr0 · May 12, 2008

hes teething get him some chew toys or just smoke an ounce blunt with him im a vet tech trust me itll work

Biggravy22 · May 12, 2008

Ok guys...there have been a lot of great responses...thank you. As far as trying to dominating me...I don't think so. Because we'll Be petting him, and he'll get a little hyper, and just slide the thumb nibble for litterally 2 seconds and let go. No pressure. Just kinda like how a baby would chew on something. He's very good. His previous owner put in alot of time. He in no way tries to dominate. He listens very well. I do have a concern though. When he meets new people he likes to jump, and harass for attention. How do I break this. Some people enjoy it, and others find it annoying. I don't mind with me, because I know he just wants attention. But as far as others I'd like him to calm down. My wife has a 4.5 y/o APBT, and he still nibbles. I've been reading and i've found that it's like them saying "I love you". I don't think he would ever bite in anger or defiance.

Biggravy22 · May 12, 2008

To0 Much Dr0 said:
hes teething get him some chew toys or just smoke an ounce blunt with him im a vet tech trust me itll work

An ounce blunt? lol. I did medicate him though. He was having some stomach issues because of the tranistion and me giving him people food to early. So he wasn't eating...maybe he was afraid of the outcome...so I gave him a couple hits. He waited about 15 minutes and tore his bowl of food up. He has plenty of toys. He doesn't look to bite us...he just does it occasionally after we come in after a walk.

Gryphonn · May 12, 2008

Biggravy22 said:
Ok guys...there have been a lot of great responses...thank you. As far as trying to dominating me...I don't think so. Because we'll Be petting him, and he'll get a little hyper, and just slide the thumb nibble for litterally 2 seconds and let go. No pressure. Just kinda like how a baby would chew on something.

Kind of like a nuzzle, but different. Our pups would inevitably do that, but we nipped it in the bud early. We had to with so many dogs.

He's very good. His previous owner put in alot of time. He in no way tries to dominate. He listens very well. I do have a concern though. When he meets new people he likes to jump, and harass for attention. How do I break this. Some people enjoy it, and others find it annoying. I don't mind with me, because I know he just wants attention. But as far as others I'd like him to calm down. My wife has a 4.5 y/o APBT, and he still nibbles. I've been reading and i've found that it's like them saying "I love you". I don't think he would ever bite in anger or defiance.

With the jumping, try explaining to your visitors that you are breaking him out of the habit so he doesn't jump on a toddler and knock it over by accident. Unfortunately, it can take a while for a pup to realise its strength, so it's a good idea to break the need to jump up early. It can also lead to a dominance thing, where the dog will show its superiority to a stranger in their territory by standing up or jumping up on them. Not an attack, but a "hey dude, how you doin? I live here and I'm more important than you."
Anyway, always say "No!" (we say "No Jumping!"...it's distinctive in its sound) and push him back to the ground. Ask your friends to do the same and he'll soon realise it's wrong. But above all, be persistent and consistent...and love 'em up heaps too of course :mrgreen:

.

The harshest discipline our dogs got was me grabbing them around the snout and forcing them to the ground. Not twisting or anything, just firmly grabbing their snout, then guiding their head to the ground and holding them there while I chastised them and they stopped trying to pull away. That's another very good dominance thing that dogs understand.If they growled at me, they got slapped. Our dogs were also taught not to growl at each other or fight during feed time and missed out if they argued over food. At one stage we only had five large bowls for 15 dogs and they all knew who they shared a bowl with and never raided the other dogs' bowls.

I know it sounds corny, but you can combine a distinctive hand movement with the "No jumping" thing and after a while all you'll need do is get his attention and make the hand movement. Hehe, if I point at Jack when he's done nothing wrong, his expression immediately changes to "What'd I do?"
Dogs are brilliant at interpreting body language in dogs *and* humans that they live with.

Damn I wish my Lady was here. She has 'the way' with dogs. She barely has to raise her voice and Jack is already stopped whatever he may have been about to do. She could explain all this better than me. Only two days before she's back...with medicine too!

Oh, before I take over this thread too much, if you hand feed him and he lunges at the food, push him back and say something like "No. Be gentle." If you have too *gently* slap him on the end of the nose. It's really sensitive, so don't hit him hard. Practice with him long enough and he'll learn to take food from your finger gentler than a mouse. Jack's father could lift a 1/2" cube of meat from your fingers so slowly and gently, that you could barely feel his lips, teeth or tongue. With bigger pieces he'd take them gently into his mouth, but wouldn't pull back until you let the meat go. I've got a photo of him around this 'puter somewhere too. I've gotta shut up. :oops:

Back to the bongsmilie

I'm happy for you guys getting a dog. :mrgreen:

Biggravy22 · May 12, 2008

Gryphonn said:
Kind of like a nuzzle, but different. Our pups would inevitably do that, but we nipped it in the bud early. We had to with so many dogs.

With the jumping, try explaining to your visitors that you are breaking him out of the habit so he doesn't jump on a toddler and knock it over by accident. Unfortunately, it can take a while for a pup to realise its strength, so it's a good idea to break the need to jump up early. It can also lead to a dominance thing, where the dog will show its superiority to a stranger in their territory by standing up or jumping up on them. Not an attack, but a "hey dude, how you doin? I live here and I'm more important than you."
Anyway, always say "No!" (we say "No Jumping!"...it's distinctive in its sound) and push him back to the ground. Ask your friends to do the same and he'll soon realise it's wrong. But above all, be persistent and consistent...and love 'em up heaps too of course .

The harshest discipline our dogs got was me grabbing them around the snout and forcing them to the ground. Not twisting or anything, just firmly grabbing their snout, then guiding their head to the ground and holding them there while I chastised them and they stopped trying to pull away. That's another very good dominance thing that dogs understand.If they growled at me, they got slapped. Our dogs were also taught not to growl at each other or fight during feed time and missed out if they argued over food. At one stage we only had five large bowls for 15 dogs and they all knew who they shared a bowl with and never raided the other dogs' bowls.

I know it sounds corny, but you can combine a distinctive hand movement with the "No jumping" thing and after a while all you'll need do is get his attention and make the hand movement. Hehe, if I point at Jack when he's done nothing wrong, his expression immediately changes to "What'd I do?"
Dogs are brilliant at interpreting body language in dogs *and* humans that they live with.

Damn I wish my Lady was here. She has 'the way' with dogs. She barely has to raise her voice and Jack is already stopped whatever he may have been about to do. She could explain all this better than me. Only two days before she's back...with medicine too!

Oh, before I take over this thread too much, if you hand feed him and he lunges at the food, push him back and say something like "No. Be gentle." If you have too *gently* slap him on the end of the nose. It's really sensitive, so don't hit him hard. Practice with him long enough and he'll learn to take food from your finger gentler than a mouse. Jack's father could lift a 1/2" cube of meat from your fingers so slowly and gently, that you could barely feel his lips, teeth or tongue. With bigger pieces he'd take them gently into his mouth, but wouldn't pull back until you let the meat go. I've got a photo of him around this 'puter somewhere too. I've gotta shut up. Back to the

I'm happy for you guys getting a dog.

Thank you. He's pretty gentle, and awfully well-behaved for a 10 month old.
My wife and I think he knows alot more than what we've picked up on. But hey we've only had him 4 days. So i'll start with the "NO JUMPING!" And we'll work from there considering that's my biggest issue thus far. Oh, and the nibbling is only done to us. We've taken him around and he doesn't do it to anyone else.

Biggravy22 · May 12, 2008

kingpapawawa said:
best way to train him is to grab him by the scruff of the neck and give a slight tug while saying "NO!" - thats how his momma would have grabbed him to discipline him.

then you want to give him something he is allowed to chew on and while he is chewing give him some "good boy!" and pats on the head.

also you should work on getting him to let you take back whatever it is he is chewing on. hand it to him and take it back a few times.

also just another note.. whenever you leave and enter the house with the dog make sure you go in or out first. in a pack of dogs the head dog always goes in/out first. the rest know their place..

it's funny you mention the last part because he doesn't move until we walk outside. He doesn't even walk down the steps until we go first. He's very good with knowing his place. He's not toy possessive. We say "Release" and he let's go on command.

Biggravy22 · May 12, 2008

blinkykush said:
my boy braxton is 12 weeks old and weighs 35 pounds his dad was 93 pounds he is Razor bloodline.....i would suggest picking up a book on the breed and reading up, not to sound like a f ing book worm I havnt read anything since this months issue of hightines, but this breed is a very handson breed and need a lot of attention and socialization. take it to dog parks and socialize the pitt with other dogs and peeps....and if your dog ever snaps at another dog dont automaticly assume he is gonna rip the next ten yearolds arm off that walks by, human aggression and dog aggression are two different behaviors and just b;c your pitt may have one doesnt mean he has the other.

My wifes family dog is a pitbull named taz. He's the biggest suck in the world, so I know if it's raised correctly chances are your pit will be nicer than a pomeranian. Moosie has only displayed aggression once, and it was to protect us. We were walking and a siberian husky approached us with his tail straight up in the air. Moose who's tail was wagging at the time stopped immediatley. The dog showed his teeth and barked, and moose went into defensive mode. We were frightened until we took him over our neighbors house who owns a boxer and they played like little kids.Oh im down with socialization. I don't want any fear aggression coming from him.

Biggravy22 · May 12, 2008

[email protected] said:
if you have ever seen a pit in action you would teach them to not use there mouths on peps. but that is your call you have the dog. As for my dogs they use there mouths feet and bodys on peps. Maybe I'm a bad master I spoil them rotten. any way my big guy Tag would never use his mouth he had no controle and knew it. his sister on the other hand has a soft mouth and we can play all day long she will pull me by the hand or what ever and never hurt me. Don't get me wrong my hands were bruised after a good play but teeth are hard. the little guy only uses his teeth when I grab his tail. It's a play thing not hurting him at all. hehe

i've seen them in action. My wifes family owns one, And he's treated like you treat your dogs. He's allowed anywhere he pleases. But he listens. He's very independent but he knows who the pack leader is. Hands down. Moosie is free to be a dog, but he has to know when I talk he needs to listen.

Gryphonn · May 12, 2008

Thank you. He's pretty gentle, and awfully well-behaved for a 10 month old.
My wife and I think he knows alot more than what we've picked up on. But hey we've only had him 4 days. So i'll start with the "NO JUMPING!" And we'll work from there considering that's my biggest issue thus far. Oh, and the nibbling is only done to us. We've taken him around and he doesn't do it to anyone else.

He lurvs you

Biggravy22 · May 12, 2008

Gryphonn said:
He lurvs you

I hope so. He's been so perfect we're sitting around wondering what the catch is, and how he ended up at the shelter.

here he is.

My moosie

kingpapawawa · May 12, 2008

Biggravy22 said:
When he meets new people he likes to jump, and harass for attention.

the way i learned was GENTLE knee to the chest... basically just enough to move him back away from you. of course if he has long claws and likes to 'wrap up' you will regret this if your wearing shorts.

you can practice with him. get some jeans on and do whatever gets him jumping up. as he does it use your knee/thigh to push him backwards and say "OFF!" - smart dogs will learn it pretty quickly. when you have guests if they arent comfortable doing the same you can grab him by the scruff of the neck and pull him back, you can give a sharp jerk when you do this. just grab the skin on the back of the neck and jerk while repeating the command

Biggravy22 said:
it's funny you mention the last part because he doesn't move until we walk outside. He doesn't even walk down the steps until we go first. He's very good with knowing his place. He's not toy possessive. We say "Release" and he let's go on command.

thats great, sounds like a smart dog. i recently lost a 15 year old lab/pitt mix and i can tell u from experience that its true what they say.. you cant teach an old dog new tricks.. get them while they are young

shamegame · May 12, 2008

also if you make a loud "ouch" sound when they bite or nip at you, this will help them understand that they are playing too hard.

smokingbot · May 12, 2008

Teething dude...

superhighme · May 12, 2008

its possible even with his adult teeth in that he may still be teething or having tooth pains. this is most likely why he's nibbling, but its not something you should allow or praise him for. when he gets older he's going to think nibbling is okay and his teeth will probably hurt more. not to mention if he nibbles the wrong person or accidentally (not even aggressively) drawls blood you're in trouble. its always advised that you stop bad behavior like that as soon as possible to avoid him thinking that its okay.

and just for some background so you dont think Im talking out my ass here. Im a former vet tech, own two pit bulls myself, used to train dogs including show dogs, and have worked in the pet industry for close to 10 years!!

Seamaiden · May 12, 2008

Someone just posted in here (and I've read it elsewhere) to get the dog high. I'm not sorry to say that that is SERIOUSLY fucked up. It's YOUR choice to get high, but the dog's or another animal's? That's like forcing your child to get high, and I personally will not tolerate it.

Gryph, it sounds to me like you and your lady really know your dogs. Nice looking fellow you've got there, too... has he got any heeler in him? He doesn't look blue, but I do see a lot of ticking on the coat. One of the smartest dogs I ever knew was a Queensland heeler, owned by our former farrier, and the dog's name was Farrier and DAMN was he smart! Your tips on how to sort dominant behavior are SPOT ON, most humans misread dominant behavior as "wanting affection", often don't realize that any animal putting itself physically higher than you is a dominant gesture and then find themselves in "mysterious" trouble for it.

Yesterday I was chatting with a woman next door to our kids' place here who's got a Rottweiler pup. I expected the pup to be cheery and outgoing, but he's not, he's timid and backs away. I didn't tell her that she needs to be careful of that, and then she told me that at 6mos. old they've already had a problem with him being aggressive. She said they hired a trainer (person called themselves a dog psychologist) who helped them greatly, but they're gonna have to be careful with such a timid dog, a male at that. This dog's timidity does NOT bode well, especially since we're talking about a Rottweiler.

Lunesta215 · May 12, 2008

We have 2 Bull terriers and a Pitbull.... They are in the house with our KITTIES and only had a problem 2x's and it was with the Male Bull terrier... the other 2 are female. He bites.. I mean he has a strong sense of character. He once bit a Homeless Person who tried to approach us on a walk in the park, and Bit a friend of my boyfriend...(who kinda looks like he could be homeless). Other than that he is a LOVER> I think its all in the person raising the dog, Don't let the pup chew on you and think its OK... Trust me Its not nice when their bigg full grown dogs wanting to Knaw off your arm. I think Pit bull and Bull terriers are very LOYAL, so treat them right and you'll have a Happy dog who will PROTECT!!!!
(yeah, i'm high).....

Anyone with knowledge of dogs?

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